[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 105 (Thursday, July 28, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   SENATE RESOLUTION 219--DESIGNATING MARCH 8, 2006, AS ``ENDANGERED 
   SPECIES DAY'', AND ENCOURAGING THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES TO 
   BECOME EDUCATED ABOUT, AND AWARE OF, THREATS TO SPECIES, SUCCESS 
  STORIES IN SPECIES RECOVERY, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE SPECIES 
                         CONSERVATION WORLDWIDE

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Chafee, Mrs. Clinton, and Mr. Crapo) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 219

       Whereas in the United States and around the world, more 
     than 1,000 species are officially designated as at risk of 
     extinction and thousands more also face a heightened risk of 
     extinction;
       Whereas the actual and potential benefits derived from many 
     species have not yet been fully discovered and would be 
     permanently lost if not for conservation efforts;
       Whereas recovery efforts for species such as the whooping 
     crane, Kirtland's warbler, the peregrine falcon, the gray 
     wolf, the gray whale, the grizzly bear, and others have 
     resulted in great improvements in the viability of such 
     species;
       Whereas saving a species requires a combination of sound 
     research, careful coordination, and intensive management of 
     conservation efforts, along with increased public awareness 
     and education; and
       Whereas education and increasing public awareness are the 
     first steps in effectively informing the public about 
     endangered species and species restoration efforts: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates March 8, 2006, as ``Endangered Species 
     Day''; and
       (2) encourages--
       (A) educational entities to spend at least 30 minutes on 
     ``Endangered Species Day'' teaching and informing students 
     about threats to, and the restoration of, endangered species 
     around the world;
       (B) organizations, businesses, and agencies with a shared 
     interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate on 
     educational information for use in schools; and
       (C) the people of the United States to observe the day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution to 
establish ``Endangered Species Day'' on March 8, 2006. I am submitting 
this resolution with Senators Chafee, Clinton, and Crapo whose co-
sponsorship I greatly appreciate.
  Additionally, I want to commend my constituent Mr. David Robinson for 
suggesting the establishment of an ``Endangered Species Day.'' I have 
appreciated his hard work and dedication. Individuals like Mr. Robinson 
do make a difference.
  The designation of an ``Endangered Species Day'' provides a multitude 
of opportunities for young people, students, and the general public to 
learn more about endangered species in both our country and abroad. It 
is my hope that establishing an ``Endangered Species Day'' encourages 
schools, civic organizations, agencies, and businesses to educate the 
general public about the threats to and our efforts to restore these 
precious species in our midst. I believe that ``Endangered Species 
Day'' will foster increased communication and awareness about many of 
the most endangered species by encouraging such activities as school 
field trips to the zoo or attending a lecture at the local library.
  With the recent discovery of the once thought to be extinct Ivory-
billed Woodpecker in Arkansas and the Mount Diablo Buckwheat in 
California, I think this is an opportune moment to highlight the 
success of many of our conservation efforts. For example, in my home 
State of California, I am especially proud of the conservation and 
management efforts that have helped significantly restore populations 
of California condor, winter run chinook salmon, the least Bell's vireo 
songbird, and the California gray whale.
  Despite these success stories, we need to be aware that more needs to 
be done. At this time, we have more than 1,000 species in the U.S. and 
abroad, which are designated as ``at risk'' for extinction. One small 
step is to increase awareness about the seriousness of the 
circumstances facing many of these endangered species and educating the 
public about these species.
  I am introducing this bill with the hope that ``Endangered Species 
Day'' can spark the wonder and interest in our youth to continue the 
conservation efforts we have begun but still are far from finishing.

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